Scan barcode
lucysmith13's review
adventurous
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
zoer03's review
3.0
I am still intrigued by this series of the bronte sisters solving mysteries and think it’s a fun concept. I just find it hard to get into. The characters in this story are ok…. But their quirks and characteristics make it incredibly hard for me to enjoy, like it sympathise with. I am not one hundred percent sure if the real brontes were anything like as preachy, stuck up and a bit too modern I just found them awful. I also did not believe that they would ever travel to London and the scenes there I am sorry to say were probably the worst in (my opinion) in this series. For me to place the brontes in London is like placing a zebra in the sea it doesn’t work.
If you love the Brontes and their works I think you would enjoy this more, I am quite disappointed that the characters are too lost to modern sensibilities. This has put me off wanting to know anything more about them.
If you love the Brontes and their works I think you would enjoy this more, I am quite disappointed that the characters are too lost to modern sensibilities. This has put me off wanting to know anything more about them.
bohemianharrison's review
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thenovelbook's review
4.0
With her powerful storytelling and immersive world-building, Bella Ellis has done it again. This third installment of the Bronte Sisters Mysteries will keep you speeding through the chapters as the suspense and drama build.
This time, the Brontes are summoned south to London by an acquaintance who has recently eloped, only to have her husband kidnapped by a band of rogues who give her one week to find and return "the jewel" they have lost.
The Bronte sisters are accompanied by their brother Branwell. I like that this series humanizes Branwell and draws out from the reader a feeling of regret for what he could have been. And the characterization of all three sisters is brilliantly done, particularly Emily in all her antisocial glory.
The suspense and pacing are excellent.
Content note: The evil that the Brontes encounter is very grim, involving dens of iniquity and child trafficking. Readers should be aware that there are a couple of brief moments that involve the supernatural, though these are not central to the plot.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for this advance review copy!
This time, the Brontes are summoned south to London by an acquaintance who has recently eloped, only to have her husband kidnapped by a band of rogues who give her one week to find and return "the jewel" they have lost.
The Bronte sisters are accompanied by their brother Branwell. I like that this series humanizes Branwell and draws out from the reader a feeling of regret for what he could have been. And the characterization of all three sisters is brilliantly done, particularly Emily in all her antisocial glory.
The suspense and pacing are excellent.
Content note: The evil that the Brontes encounter is very grim, involving dens of iniquity and child trafficking. Readers should be aware that there are a couple of brief moments that involve the supernatural, though these are not central to the plot.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for this advance review copy!
kbkittyb's review
4.0
There is something about these books that I enjoy. Are they spectacularly well written? No. Original? Not really. Likable characters? Debatable.
But it's home-y. I never feel stressed when reading this series. Despite missing the countryside landscape of the earlier books, this one was more nitty gritty and dark.
As with the others, it does get a bit cringe-y sometimes and is more than a little preach-y - but, the lighthearted humour combats this well.
I found the inclusion of other past authors and 'spirits' completely unnecessary to the plot - detectives are meant to rely on evidence, not advice from the dead.
This one had a lovely romance that added to its charm...if only in the short term.
I will always hate Charlotte but that is just a personal preference.
I hope another one is released and that I continue to accidently come across these just when I need them.
But it's home-y. I never feel stressed when reading this series. Despite missing the countryside landscape of the earlier books, this one was more nitty gritty and dark.
As with the others, it does get a bit cringe-y sometimes and is more than a little preach-y - but, the lighthearted humour combats this well.
I found the inclusion of other past authors and 'spirits' completely unnecessary to the plot - detectives are meant to rely on evidence, not advice from the dead.
This one had a lovely romance that added to its charm...if only in the short term.
I will always hate Charlotte but that is just a personal preference.
I hope another one is released and that I continue to accidently come across these just when I need them.
mary_juleyre's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anaidelawless's review
4.0
As I said, these books take a bit to grip me, but when they do, it is amazing. This was probably the only mystery where the protagonists are taking down seemingly omnipotent villain that I actually enjoyed. And the final confrontation was hilarious.
nm_d's review
5.0
I am really loving Bella Ella’s series of the Brontë sisters mysteries. This one is my favourite so far.
Victorian London, colourful characters, a mystery that is more than meets the eye; and 3 feminist heroes- what’s not to love?❣️
Victorian London, colourful characters, a mystery that is more than meets the eye; and 3 feminist heroes- what’s not to love?❣️
windy_witch's review
5.0
The Red Monarch is third book in the series by Bella Ellis, based on the Brontë sisters and their investigative skills.
They travel down to London on a mission to find the husband of an old friend of theirs who appears to have been wrapped up in some shady activities in London’s underworld.
Each of the Brontë sisters has their own very individual characters which are explored in this story. I enjoyed this book as much as the first story in the series.
They travel down to London on a mission to find the husband of an old friend of theirs who appears to have been wrapped up in some shady activities in London’s underworld.
Each of the Brontë sisters has their own very individual characters which are explored in this story. I enjoyed this book as much as the first story in the series.
everythingsophiereads's review
5.0
Another fantastic offering from Bella Ellis! I really enjoyed this one with the narrative taking place in London and the heightened stakes.
Charlotte, Anne and Emily are brilliantly written, each with their own distinctive personality even though they are often, historically, thought of as very similar. I particularly enjoyed the added information we get in terms of their individual thoughts, especially those that hint towards events to come.
The plot was well fleshed-out and there were many dark and unexpected twists that were perfectly written so as to move the story along, rather than provide shock value.
All in all, an excellent read and one that I was very pleased to have been sent after enjoying the previous two instalments!
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for sending me this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Charlotte, Anne and Emily are brilliantly written, each with their own distinctive personality even though they are often, historically, thought of as very similar. I particularly enjoyed the added information we get in terms of their individual thoughts, especially those that hint towards events to come.
The plot was well fleshed-out and there were many dark and unexpected twists that were perfectly written so as to move the story along, rather than provide shock value.
All in all, an excellent read and one that I was very pleased to have been sent after enjoying the previous two instalments!
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for sending me this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.